KARL STORZ’s new FLEX-GUARD System is Designed to Reduce Repair Costs of Flexible Ureterscopes

El Segundo, CA (September 24, 2015) – KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc., a leader in endoscopy and related technologies, is pleased to announce the availability of the FLEX-GUARD Laser Fiber and Sheath System, which are used with KARL STORZ FLEX-XC or FLEX-X2 Flexible Ureteroscopes. The system helps to safeguard the scope’s working channel from both mechanical and thermal damage, which are recognized as two causes of significant scope repairs.

A comprehensive assessment of scopes returned to us for service indicates that approximately 30% of flexible scope damage results from puncture of the instrument channel. The FLEX-GUARD sheath is designed to help protect against this type of damage during insertions, potentially reducing flexible ureteroscope repairs and increasing efficiencies that may result in significant savings.

The new protective technology is being well received within the urology field. “Once Endourologists find out how well the FLEX-GUARD protects against injury to the working channel of flexible ureteroscopes, everyone who cares about scope costs will want to use it,” said John J. Pahira, MD, Professor of Urology and Director of the Center for Kidney Stone Diseases, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

The FLEX-GUARD comes preassembled with a ScopeSafe laser fiber and protective sheath. The ScopeSafe laser fibers incorporate patented optical filter technology that helps prevent laser energy from entering the cladding during deflection, insulating the scope channel from thermal damage. The easy-to-use sheath with Micro Adjuster have clear markers to indicate when the sheath is covering the fiber tip and is ready for insertion. This design facilitates multiple passes of the fiber through a deflected scope, simplifying the procedure. The FLEX-GUARD is available in three sizes, and non-sheathed ScopeSafe laser fibers are also available.

“The FLEX-GUARD can offer significant support in reducing potential flexible ureteroscope repair costs, and can help prolong the scope’s life. It allows for easy passage of the FLEX-GUARD laser fiber through a deflected scope. The system is also useful in improving workflow efficiency by reducing procedure steps,” said John Martineau, Director of Marketing, Urology, KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc., added.

KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc., is an affiliate of KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG, an international leader for over 70 years in reusable endoscope technology, encompassing all endoscopic specialties. Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG is a family-owned company that designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets all its products with an emphasis on visionary design, precision craftsmanship and clinical effectiveness. For more information, call (800) 421-0837 or visit the company’s Website at www.karlstorz.com.